An update has arrived today on the future of Christian Atsu, with Sky Sports News reporting that Benitez is ‘keen’ to sign the Ghanaian, as Newcastle and Chelsea hold talks over a £6.2m permanent deal.
The 25 year-old arrived on Tyneside last summer on a season-long loan and has endured a mixed spell with the club. 5 goals and 3 assists have seen him contribute to our title winning campaign, but the winger splits opinion, with some doubting his ability to make the step up to the Premier League.
Recent reports suggested we had the option to trigger a £6.5million purchase option for the winger, however, Atsu has recently returned to parent club Chelsea, claiming to have held ‘no conversations’ over his future with NUFC.
Sky Sports report today that Rafa Benitez IS, in fact, keen to sign him on a permanent deal this summer, with North-East reporter Keith Downie claiming he is likely to become Newcastle’s first summer signing in a £6.2m deal.
Newcastle are in talks with Christian Atsu about making his season-long loan from Chelsea permanent for £6.2m – could be first summer buy.
— Keith Downie ? (@SkySports_Keith) May 15, 2017
Personally, I hope Atsu signs. He’s shown enough to make me believe he’d be a useful squad player, with the fee seeming a very reasonable one in this day and age for a player of his age and potential.
We would still require a first team left-winger, but with Gouffran likely to leave, Atsu, who can play on either wing, would provide much needed back up.
Well I know a lot don’t rate him but when you think we 5.5 mil for Hanley,3.5. mill for Murphy I think he’s worth shot as a back up player at 6.2 mil at the price they are asking for players today,with Rafa coaching he will improve a fair bit
Icedog(Quote)